Matthew 9:2b

"'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'"

This isn't what the paralytic was looking for, nor those who loved him and went to great lengths to help. They all wanted something "greater". Maybe after hearing Jesus say what He said, they were disappointed, with fallen countenances. On the other hand, those who despised Jesus, while disgusted with His proclamation, were also probably disappointed that He didn't do what the paralytic came to receive. That just reinforced what they already believed about Him, "He's a sham!"

Is He a sham? Do I think like the others when He doesn't give what I want? Which is greater, giving me health, giving me prosperity, giving me fame, or giving me forgiveness?

The next time I'm discouraged Jesus doesn't give me what I want, and maybe even disgusted with what's been granted instead (like an ungrateful child at Christmas-time), may I hearken back to that glorious day Jesus said to me, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."

Genesis 25:50b

"The thing has come from the Lord; we cannot speak to you bad or good."

In my heart of heart, I am a mocker. The "things" that are shared with me as "from the Lord" by others are most often viewed with skepticism. Yet when resonating with Scripture, who am I to "speak... bad or good" of these things? Like Laban with Abraham's servant, I should remain neutral, wait and see what my Lord might do with these words. If they come to pass, then so be it and let me respond in praise. If not, then so be it and let me respond in relief. Either way, the Lord's hand was in it.

The supernatural is always around and about me. Yet I live as if it were something yet to come, in the life hereafter. How is God speaking to me today? Through His written Word? No doubt! But perhaps also through the words of others. May I be ever keen to listen intently to all words spoken directly to me, as if they might be from the Lord Himself. Then let me filter those words through what I know to be Truth, allowing them to eventually play out one way or another.

"Speak to me today, Lord. Allow me to listen, discern and, where real, take to heart."